Secondary teacher vacancies in Switzerland: lower and upper levels

Two separate levels of employment: lower and upper secondary

Work as a secondary teacher in Switzerland means teaching pupils either at lower secondary level, around ages 12 to 15, or at upper secondary level in gymnasiums, specialised schools and vocational schools. Employment normally requires a master's in one or two subjects plus a teaching diploma, or a foreign diploma recognised by the CDIP, then an application to the canton.

Lower secondary (secondary I) takes pupils aged about 12 to 15, in Geneva's cycle d'orientation or Vaud's secondary schools. Upper secondary (secondary II) covers gymnasiums and collèges leading to the academic baccalaureate, specialised schools and vocational schools.

Recruitment run by the cantons

Public education is a cantonal matter: Geneva's education department, Vaud's directorate of compulsory education or Valais services publish vacancies and set procedures. Timetables differ, and many appointments are decided in spring for the August start of the school year.

Training at universities of teacher education

In French-speaking Switzerland, HEP Vaud, HEP-BEJUNE, HEP Valais, the University of Fribourg and Geneva's IUFE train secondary teachers. The teaching diploma generally comes on top of a subject bachelor's or master's, depending on the target level.

Getting a teaching qualification from abroad recognised

A teacher trained abroad submits a file to the general secretariat of the CDIP (Swiss Conference of Cantonal Ministers of Education), which compares length and content of the training. Where gaps exist, the decision sets compensatory measures in ECTS credits, to complete within two years.

Teaching at a vocational school

Vocational schools training CFC and AFP apprentices recruit teachers of general education and technical subjects. The Swiss Federal University for Vocational Education and Training prepares these profiles, often from industry or crafts, for teaching in Switzerland.

Subjects in short supply

Mathematics, physics, computer science and German are among the subjects where several cantons struggle to recruit. In German-speaking Switzerland the shortage also affects lower secondary, opening posts to qualified teachers from French-speaking Switzerland or Germany.

Language of instruction and a second national language

A teacher must fully master the canton's language of instruction: French in Neuchâtel, German in Bern or Zurich, Italian in Ticino. Bilingual cantons such as Fribourg and Valais value teachers able to teach in both languages.

Supply and replacement teaching to get started

Many newcomers start with supply teaching lasting a few weeks or year-long replacements. These assignments, through school management or cantonal lists, let you become known before obtaining a permanent post or a formal appointment.

Salaries set by cantonal pay scales

Pay follows a salary class and annual increments specific to each canton, with marked differences between Geneva, Vaud, Jura or Lucerne. The level taught, the employment rate and qualifications held determine the indicative salary published by the administration.

Primary teachers and adult educators

Some teachers move from primary to lower secondary by completing extra training, as described on our primary teacher in Switzerland page. Others turn to language schools or continuing education, which do not always require a recognised teaching qualification.

Private and international schools

Boarding schools and international schools around Lake Geneva, in Valais or in Zug recruit for the International Baccalaureate or British programmes. They sometimes hire teachers without CDIP recognition, but in English and on their own pay terms.

Working with minors: the special criminal record extract

For any role involving regular contact with minors, Swiss employers ask for the special criminal record extract in addition to the standard one. It is ordered from the Federal Office of Justice with a confirmation from the school.

Your route to secondary teaching in Switzerland

1. Choose the level, lower or upper secondary, and the canton, checking the required language of instruction.
2. Have a foreign teaching diploma recognised by the CDIP, or complete training at a Swiss university of teacher education.
3. Complete any compensatory measures at a higher education institution belonging to the CDIP, within the deadline set.
4. Obtain the permit matching your nationality, with the employer's support for non-EU and non-EFTA nationals.
5. Apply to cantonal vacancy notices and sign up on the supply teacher lists of your target schools.
6. Prepare a Swiss CV with photo, employment references, school referees and the special criminal record extract.

Teacher pay and set-up costs

The application file schools expect

• Swiss CV with photo and list of subjects taught
• Cover letter addressed to the school management or department
• Subject and teaching diplomas
• CDIP recognition decision for a foreign qualification
• Employment references and inspection reports
• High-level language certificate, for example DALF or Goethe C2
• Standard and special criminal record extracts
• Identity document and residence or cross-border permit

Mistakes that keep the classroom door closed

• Applying for a permanent post without having started CDIP recognition, when the procedure can take several months.
• Underestimating the language level required in a German-speaking canton, where approximate German is not accepted in front of a class.
• Ignoring the cantonal school calendar and applying in July, when most posts for the new school year are already filled.
• Forgetting the special criminal record extract, an essential document for any work involving contact with underage pupils.
• Confusing the Swiss academic baccalaureate with the French baccalauréat in your letter, a sign of unfamiliarity with the Swiss school system.

Secondary school teaching in Switzerland: common questions

Classroom life and the first year of a secondary teacher

The first year in a Swiss secondary school is about finding a footing. You receive classes, a timetable and a share of duties beyond lessons, such as supervising breaks, meeting parents and attending staff meetings. Colleagues in the same subject usually share material generously, and a new teacher who asks for advice is seen as professional, not as weak.

Class management is the main challenge. Teenagers test limits, and clear rules applied calmly work better than raised voices. Learn names quickly, prepare each lesson with a plan for the first and last ten minutes, and keep a record of difficulties so you can discuss them with the head of department. Many schools offer a mentor to beginners, and accepting that help is wise.

Work continues outside the classroom. Marking, preparation and exchanges with colleagues take much time, so organise the week early. Pupils may come from many backgrounds and speak different home languages, which calls for patience and for clear explanations. Teachers who stay curious, adjust their methods and keep good relations with families often find that the second year feels much easier than the first.

Preparing a demonstration lesson is often part of the selection. Choose a topic from the curriculum, define a clear aim, plan activities that keep pupils busy and finish with a check of what was learned. Be ready to explain why you chose this structure and how you would adapt it for a weaker or a stronger class. Selection panels usually include a head teacher and a subject specialist, so expect questions on pupils with learning difficulties, on discipline and on cooperation with parents. Show that you know the school's values and respect its rules. Finally, tell the panel which extras you could offer, such as a class trip, a sports club or support for pupils who need help after the lesson, without promising more than you can deliver. Send a thank-you note afterwards. Smile and listen.